Maui Stuart reports on his commissioning earlier this year.

The sweetest eels are always found in another area

In recent times we have all had to make changes as the term “a new normal” has become a big part of how we live out our lives. God showed me a pathway and returned me home to Rāpaki. I believed in my calling and trusting in the Holy Spirit I have spent the last four years living here with my dear aunt, doing what I can for my whanau and hapu of Rāpaki.

Commissioning

On Sunday 20 March 2022, I was commissioned to the office of Kai Karakia and appointed to Whakaraupo and Makawhiu rohe (Lyttelton Harbour and Port Levy). I feel humbled by this acknowledgment. My whanau are strongly affiliated to Te Hahi Mihinare, the Maori Diocese of Te Waipounamu, not with Te Taha Maori, Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa.

Bishop Richard Rangi Wallace gave me the opportunity to train under his leadership, and has made it clear that I am a Maori Christian, and not a Christian Maori. Jesus was an aboriginal, a native in his home land, tangata whenua. He knew the lay of the land and used it not to hide but to understand the needs of his own whanau, hapu and iwi.

My mission is similar to that of Jesus. It is to be wherever Maori are gathering. And if they are not gathering, to encourage them to gather. Having the presence and support of General Secretary of the Methodist Church, Rev Tara Tautari and her whanau at my Commissioning made my day even more special. She has taught me that being present is all that is required. The absence of former Tumuaki Rev Diana Tana, due to other commitments, left me feeling empty and sad. I look forward to working closer with a person who can answer questions like: “When I feel alone, is Christ really with me?”

Earlier this year I declined the offer to attend Trinity Methodist Theological College. It was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make in my life. As time passes and my understanding grows with the knowledge that I was being groomed for this role, I know that real people make real decisions. We do not need clones to make decisions for us.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge my Kaumatua, my front row, who have supported me on my journey. The wisdom they hold is priceless. As Rāpaki continues to lose our leaders, my mission is also to learn as much as I can, while I still can, from them.

Nga Totara whakamarumaru, nga Toka Tumoana, Nga Kaka wahanui, Nga Puna Roimata, Kia Tiaho te maramatanga ki a ratou.

Kia au ta ratou moe.

Mauriora kia tatou katoa.